Methods and compositions for reducing body odor

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an aqueous, odor absorbing composition, which is safe for use on human skin comprising from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin; from about 0.5% to about 30%, by weight of the composition, of a linear dimethicone having a nominal viscosity of about 350 centistokes or less; and an aqueous carrier. The odor absorbing compositions of the present invention may also contain an effective amount of solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative having a water-solubility of greater than about 0.3%. 
     The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions of the present invention to reduce body odor and/or vaginal odor. The composition can be applied directly as a spray, poured from a bottle and applied by hand, or applied via a wipe.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/736,469, filedon Oct. 24, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/604,469, filed Oct. 24, 1996; said application to be abandoned infavor of this continuation-in-part application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human skin is naturally populated with numerous micro-organisms.These organisms are nourished by various skin secreted substances, skincell debris, breakdown products of the skin and the organismsthemselves. The "skin secretions" are eccrine and apocrine sweat, andlipid-soluble sebum. Eccrine sweat is normally odorless and remainsodorless after secretion, although odoriferous food and drug substancesmay be excreted with it. Apocrine glands are normally associated withhair follicles and are confined mainly to the groin, perianal, areolaand armpits. They produce a scanty, milky substance that is odorlessupon secretion, but becomes odoriferous upon bacterial decomposition.Apocrine glands are considered to be a primary contributor for malodor.

The sebaceous glands are distributed over the skin surface except thepalms and dorsae. They are most numerous on the scalp, forehead, face,back and chest. The secretion, sebum, consists mainly of fattymaterials, wax esters, cholesterol and its esters and squalene. Sebum istypically associated with acne.

Specifically, body odor is most commonly caused by fatty acids on skinand from malodors from bacterial sources. The unpleasant odors aremainly organic molecules which have different structures and functionalgroups, such as amines, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenolics,polycyclics, indoles, aromatics, polyaromatics, etc. They can also bemade up of sulfur-containing functional groups, such as, thiol,mercaptan, sulfide and/or disulfide groups.

Numerous attempts have been made to conceal body odors through the useof perfumes. Not only are such perfumes often inadequate at fullyconcealing the body odors, very often they are irritating to the user'sskin. Additionally, the perfume odor itself may be irritating oroffensive to the user's respiratory system and/or olfactory senses, aswell as to nearby individuals.

Other attempts have been made to control odor through moistureabsorption. Odor causing bacteria and fungi often flourish in warm,moist conditions; particularly where they have easy access tonourishment such as skin secretions and skin cell debris. Therefore,attempts are made to deprive the bacteria responsible for body odor ofthe moist/humid environment they need to proliferate and grow. Suchefforts include the use of powders and/or antiperspirants. Powders andpowder-based compositions may be difficult to apply. They may rub oreven fall off onto clothing, leaving visible residue on clothing whichcan be quite embarrassing and inconvenient to the user. Therefore, dailyuse of the body powders of the prior art are undesirable and/orineffective for day to day body odor control for the entire body.Antiperspirants are not useful in a body odor control product for useover the entire body as they may interfere with the body's thermalregulatory process by inhibiting perspiration through the action ofastringent salts. Additionally, such salts may be irritating to a largenumber of users, particularly when applying them to sensitive areas suchas the pelvic region.

Numerous other deodorant compositions aimed at combating odor associatedwith the skin secretions have been described in the chemical andcosmetic literature. These generally are emulsion sticks or suspensoidsticks, but also may be aerosols, roll-ons, pads, pump sprays, and evensoap bars.

Known deodorants attempt to control odor through a variety of means.Deodorants may include antibacterial compounds which help destroy and/orcontrol the amount of bacteria present on the skin, thereby minimizingodor produced via bacterial metabolism of the skin secretions. U.S. Pat.No. 5,525,331, to Betts, issued Jun. 11, 1996, discloses compositionswhich inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the body-secretions. Yetanother attempt at controlling body odor is found in U.S. Pat. No.4,382,079, to Marschner, issued May 3, 1983, which discloses the use ofsodium bicarbonate as an underarm deodorant to neutralize offending bodyodor.

Zeolites such as those marketed under the trade name ABSCENTS® by theUnion Carbide Corporation and UOP are known odor absorbers. Howeverthese commonly known solid odor absorbers, in addition to knownactivated charcoal odor absorbers, lose functionality when wet.Therefore, when wetted by body fluids or when carried in an aqueoussolution, these odor absorbers are not preferred as they lose theirdesired odor absorbent characteristics. Furthermore, zeolites can causea "harsh" feel if too much is deposited onto the skin.

Thus, there remains a need for an improved odor absorbing composition,which is essentially free of irritating ingredients such as perfumes orastringent antiperspirants and which is safe and effective for use onthe entire body. More particularly, there is a need for a convenient,leave on composition which is capable of absorbing a broad spectrum ofbody odors that are not fully suppressed by the aforementioned means.

It has been discovered that such enhanced body odor control can besafely provided to the entire body by applying a composition, which isleft on the skin, which incorporates odor absorbing, uncomplexedcyclodextrins into an aqueous solution. Furthermore, it has beendiscovered that the combination of uncomplexed cyclodextrins with lowlevels of antimicrobials provides a leave on skin solution with optimalbody odor absorbing characteristics and extended shelf-life. It has beendiscovered that a particular advantage of the present invention is theability to provide convenient, non-irritating odor protection whenapplied to occluded skin areas such as the pelvic region, the externalvagina, the panty-line, the bra-line, and skin-folds, which may be verysensitive. Moreover, it has been discovered that the aforementionedbenefits may be delivered in an aqueous solution which also optionallydelivers skin aid benefits to the user such as protection and/ormoisturization.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent from the detailed description which follows.

All percentages, ratios, and parts herein, in the Specification,Examples, and Claims are by weight unless otherwise stated. The term"g", as used herein, means gram. The term "ml", as used herein, meansmilliliter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aqueous, odor absorbing composition,which is safe for use on human skin comprising from about 0.1% to about5%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble,uncomplexed cyclodextrin; from about 0.5% to about 30%, by weight of thecomposition, of a linear dimethicone having a nominal viscosity of 350centistokes or less; and an aqueous carrier. The odor absorbingcompositions of the present invention may also contain an effectiveamount of solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative havinga water-solubility of greater than about 0.3%.

The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositionsof the present invention to reduce body odor and/or vaginal odor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a perfume-free, aqueous, odor-absorbingcomposition. The present invention also relates to a method of reducingbody odor comprising the application of a perfume-free, aqueous,odor-absorbing composition. The composition can be applied directly as aspray, poured from a bottle and applied by hand, or applied via wipewhich is wet.

The term "body fluids", as used herein, includes eccrine sweat, apocrinesweat, sebum, build up of sensible moisture from transepidermal waterloss, vaginal discharge, urine, and mixtures thereof.

The term "body odor" as used herein means odors which are generated as aresult of the natural functioning of a human body. Such odors include,but are not limited to odors produced by microorganisms of the humanskin (i.e. bacterial decomposition of skin secretions), urine, orvaginal discharge, and mixtures thereof.

The term "entire body" means the entire external surface of human ormammalian skin.

The term "vaginal odor" relates specifically to those body odors whichemanate from the pelvic region of a woman, particularly the vagina andthe panty line.

A detailed description of essential and optional components of thepresent invention is given below.

CYCLODEXTRIN

As used herein, the term "cyclodextrin" includes any of the knowncyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six totwelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin,gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives and/or mixtures thereof.

The term "uncomplexed cyclodextrin" as used herein means that thecavities within the cyclodextrin in the solution of the presentinvention should remain essentially unfilled while in solution, in orderto allow the cyclodextrin to absorb various odor molecules when thesolution is applied to a surface. The term "water-soluble, uncomplexedcyclodextrin" as used herein means uncomplexed cyclodextrin having aminimum solubility limit of about 1% (1 gram in 100 grams of water).

Non-derivatised beta-cyclodextrin can be present at a level up to itssolubility limit of about 1.85% at room temperature. Whenbeta-cyclodextrin is applied to a wipe substrate, levels higher than itssolubility limit can be used.

Preferred, the cyclodextrins used in the present invention are highlywater-soluble such as, alpha-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof,gamma-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof, derivatisedbeta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof. The derivatives ofcyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein some of the OH groupsare converted to OR groups. Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are thosehaving water solubility of at least about 10 g in 100 ml of water atroom temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water,more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at roomtemperature. More preferred are beta cyclodextrin, hydroxypropylalpha-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin,methylated-alpha-cyclodextrin or methylated-beta-cyclodextrin.

It is also preferable to use a mixture of cyclodextrins. Such mixturesabsorb body odors more broadly by complexing with a wider range ofodoriferous molecules having a wider range of molecular sizes. Thelevels of cyclodextrin are from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably fromabout 0.2% to about 4%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 3%,most preferably from about 0.4% to about 2%, by weight of thecomposition.

Concentrated compositions can also be used. When a concentrated productis used, i.e., when the level of cyclodextrin used is from about 3% toabout 5%, it is preferable to dilute the composition before applying tothe skin in order to avoid tacky skin feel and/or an undesirable amountof residue. Preferably the cyclodextrin is diluted with about 50% toabout 2000%, more preferably with about 60% to about 1000%, mostpreferably with about 75% to about 500%, by weight of the composition ofwater.

The complexation between cyclodextrin and odorous molecules occursrapidly in the presence of water when the solubilized cyclodextrins arefirst applied to the skin. Additionally, cyclodextrins which dry on theskin surfaces will once again achieve enhanced absorption capabilitieswhen rewetted with body fluids. This is convenient for the user becausethe cyclodextrins, while on dry skin, will not fill their cavities withother environmental odors which would otherwise render them lessefficient for absorbing body odors. More particularly, uponsolubilization of the cyclodextrins by the body fluids, the isolatedcavities become available to form inclusion complexes with the body odormolecules. Thus, ultimately, the availability of solubilized uncomplexedcyclodextrin is essential for an effective and efficient odor controlperformance. A more complete description of the cyclodextrins andcyclodextrin derivatives useful in the present invention can be found inU.S. Pat. No. 5,534,165, Pilosof et al., issued Jul. 9, 1996, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

DIMETHICONE

The compositions of the present invention also comprise an effectivelevel of dimethicone, which aids in preventing or reducing skinirritation and also may contribute other benefits such as reducingskin-to-skin friction. An "effective level" of dimethicone, as usedherein, is a level which effectively provides the desired skin benefitsof dimethicone. The dimethicones used in the present invention must belinear dimethicones having nominal viscosities of 350 centistokes orless. Preferred is a linear dimethicones having a nominal viscosities offrom about 50 centistokes to about 100 centistokes, available as DowCorning® 200 Fluid.

Typically, the dimethicone is present at a level of from about 0.5% toabout 30% preferably from about 1% to about 2%, by weight of thecomposition.

AQUEOUS CARRIER

The cyclodextrins useful in the present invention should be solubilizedin and dispersed in an aqueous carrier. The dilute aqueous solutionprovides the maximum separation of cyclodextrin molecules on the skinand maximizes the chance that an odor molecule will interact with acyclodextrin molecule. An aqueous carrier is also beneficial in that itprovides a clean, convenient means for applying the cyclodextrin to thedesired skin sites. Additionally, an aqueous carrier may impart a degreeof cleaning power in and of itself via washing away skin cell debris andskin secretions which bacteria feed upon, as well as the bacteriathemselves.

The term "aqueous carrier", as used herein, means water and/or any watersoluble materials suitable for use as solvents. Any water may be used,such as distilled, deionized, or tap water. Water not only serves as theliquid carrier for the cyclodextrins, but it also facilitates thecomplexation reaction between the cyclodextrin molecules and anymalodorous molecules that are on the skin site when the composition isapplied.

The aqueous carrier of the present invention will typically comprisefrom about 80% to about 98% of the present invention's composition.Preferably the composition of the present invention comprises theaqueous carrier at from about 85% to about 95%.

ANTIMICROBIAL PRESERVATIVE

The compositions may optionally but preferably contain solubilized,mild, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservatives which are effective forinhibiting and/or regulating microbial growth in the composition.Contamination of the compositions of the present invention bymicroorganisms and subsequent microbial growth can result in unsightlyor malodorous compositions. Similarly, microorganisms are typicallyfound in cyclodextrin supplies and their growth in aqueous solutions ispossible. The inclusion of the antimicrobial preservatives aids inincreasing storage stability of the composition of the presentinvention. In the present invention, the water-soluble antimicrobialpreservative is included at an effective amount. The phrase "effectiveamount" of water-soluble antimicrobial preservative as used herein meansa level sufficient to prevent spoilage, or prevent growth ofmicroorganisms inadvertently added to the composition, for a specificperiod of time.

Antimicrobial preservatives useful in the present invention includebiocidal and biostatic compounds (substances that kill microorganismsand/or regulate the growth of microorganisms). Suitable antimicrobialpreservatives have a solubility of 0.3% or greater. In addition,suitable preservatives are those which can come into contact with skinwithout high irritation potential. Preferred antimicrobial preservativesare those that are water-soluble and are effective at low levels becausethe water insoluble organic preservatives can form inclusion complexeswith the cyclodextrin molecules and compete with the malodorousmolecules for the cyclodextrin cavities, thus rendering thecyclodextrins ineffective as odor controlling actives. Preservativessuitable for use in the present compositions are fully described in TheTheory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy, by Lachman, Lieberman,Kanig, 3rd. Edition, pages 466-467 and 520-522 (1986), and U.S. Pat. No.5,534,165, to Pilosof et al., issued Jul. 9, 1996, both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

It is preferable to use a broad spectrum preservative such as one thatis effective both on bacteria (both gram positive and gram negative) andfungi. A limited spectrum preservative such as one that is onlyeffective on a single group of microorganisms, for example fungi, can beused in combination with a broad spectrum preservative or other limitedspectrum preservatives with complimentary and/or supplementary activity.A mixture of broad spectrum preservatives can also be used.

Preferred water-soluble preservatives include the following: sodiumhydroxy methylglycinate (i.e., Suttocide® A. from Sutton Labs, Chatham,N.J.); sodium benzoate; cyclic organic nitrogen compounds includingimidazolidinedione compounds (such as dimethyloldimethylhydantoin i.e.,Glydant® Plus from Lonza, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea) andpolymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine; phenyl and phenoxy compounds includingbenzyl alcohol, 2-phenoxyethanol and hexamidine isethionate; quaternaryammonium compounds including polyhexamethylene biguanide; low molecularweight aldehydes including formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde; halogenatedcompounds including chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, anddibromopropamidine; and mixtures thereof.

In order to reserve most of the cyclodextrins for odor control, theminimal amount of effective preservative should be used. Preferredlevels of preservative are from about 0.0001% to about 2%, morepreferably from about 0.0002% to about 1%, most preferably from about0.01% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition.

pH.

Aqueous compositions of the present invention should have a pH of fromabout 3 to about 10, preferably from about 3.5 to about 8, morepreferably from about 3.5 to about 6. Some conventional buffering agentsare known in the prior art which may be used to adjust the pH to thedesired level if necessary. For example, combinations of salts andacids, such as the following examples: sodium lactate, sodium citrate,potassium phosphate, lactic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid areuseful. Some of the effectiveness of these ingredients may be lost asthey complex with the cyclodextrin, so care is taking in formulating toadjust for that. Other optional buffers appear in The Theory andPractice of Industrial Pharmacy, Lachman, Lieberman and Kanig, ThirdEdition, incorporated herein by reference.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

The composition of the present invention can optionally contain adjunctodor-controlling materials, such as zinc salts, water-soluble cationicpolymers, water-soluble anionic polymers, water-soluble carbonate salts,water-soluble bicarbonate salts, zeolites, and activated carbon;chelating agents; colorants; and/or antiperspirants.

Optionally, but highly preferred, the present invention can include zincsalts for added odor absorption and/or antimicrobial benefit for thecyclodextrin solution. Zinc compounds have been used most often fortheir ability to ameliorate malodor, e.g., in mouth wash products, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,939, issued Apr. 20, 1982 and4,469,674, issued Sep. 4, 1983, to N. B. Shah, et al., both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Highly-ionized andwater soluble zinc salts such as zinc chloride provide the best sourceof zinc ions. The zinc salt, zinc phenolsulfonate, is preferred for usein the skin composition of the present invention; although others mayalso fall within the scope of the present invention. However, care mustbe taken in selecting zinc salts, as well as their levels, since somemay be irritants to the skin and therefore are not preferred for use inthe present invention.

These zinc salts aid in absorbing low molecular weight amine andsulfur-containing compounds. Low molecular weight amines and/or lowmolecular weight sulfur-containing materials such as sulfide andmercaptans; are components of many types of malodors such as food odors(garlic, onion), breath odor, urine odors, and particularlybody/perspiration odor.

When zinc salts are added to the composition of the present inventionthey are typically present at a level of from about 0.1% to about 10%,preferably from about 0.2% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.3%to about 5%, by weight of the composition.

Some water-soluble polymers such as water-soluble cationic polymer andwater-soluble anionic polymers can be used in the composition of thepresent invention to provide additional odor control benefits.Water-soluble cationic polymers such as those containing aminofunctionalities, amido functionalities, and mixtures thereof, are usefulin the present invention to control certain acid-type odors.Water-soluble anionic polymers such as polyacrylic acids and theirwater-soluble salts are useful in the present invention to controlcertain amine-type odors. Preferred polyacrylic acids and their alkalimetal salts have an average molecular weight of less than about 20,000,more preferably less than 5,000. Polymers containing sulfonic acidgroups, phosphoric acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, and theirwater-soluble salts, and mixtures thereof, and mixtures with carboxylicacid and carboxylate groups, are also suitable.

Water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and anionicfunctionalities are also suitable. Examples of these polymers are givenin U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,986, issued Mar. 20, 1990, to N. Kobayashi and A.Kawazoe, incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Anotherexample of water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and anionicfunctionalities is a copolymer of dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride andacrylic acid, commercially available under the trade name Merquat 280®from Calgon.

While the aforementioned water soluble polymers are useful in thepresent invention, when using these materials, care must be taken toinsure no residual acrylic acid is present due to safety concernsassociated with the presence of acrylic acid.

Water-soluble alkali metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate salts, such assodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodiumcarbonate, and mixtures thereof can be added to the composition of thepresent invention in order to help to control certain acid-type odors.Preferred salts are sodium carbonate monohydrate, potassium carbonate,sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. Whenthese salts are added to the composition of the present invention, theyare typically present at a level of from about 0.1% to about 5%,preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.3%to about 2%, by weight of the composition. When these salts are added tothe composition of the present invention, it is preferred thatincompatible metal salts not be present in the invention. Preferably,when these salts are used, the composition should be essentially free ofzinc and other incompatible metal ions, e.g., Ca, Fe, etc. which formwater-insoluble salts.

Amine acid chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA) can optionally be added to the composition of the presentinvention in order to enhance the activity of the water-soluble,antimicrobial preservative. When a chelating agent is added to thecomposition of the present invention, it is typically present at a levelof from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, preferably from about 0.05% to about0.2%, by weight of the composition. It is important that the compositionof the present invention be essentially free of any added metal ionsthat can be chelated by any chelating agent that is added to thecomposition of the present invention because such metal ions complexwith, and deactivate, the chelating agents.

Zeolites can also be used in the present invention. A preferred class ofzeolites are characterized as "intermediate" silicate/aluminatezeolites. The intermediate zeolites are characterized by SiO₂ /AlO₂molar ratios of less than about 10. Preferably the molar ratio of SiO₂/AlO₂ ranges from about 2 to about 10. The intermediate zeolites have anadvantage over the "high" zeolites. The intermediate zeolites have ahigher affinity for amine-type odors, they are more weight efficient forodor absorption because they have a larger surface area, and they aremore moisture tolerant and retain more of their odor absorbing capacityin water than the high zeolites. A wide variety of intermediate zeolitessuitable for use herein are commercially available as Valfor® CP301-68,Valfor® 300-63, Valfor® CP300-35, and Valfor® CP300-56, available fromPQ Corporation, and the CBV100® series of zeolites from Conteka.

Zeolite materials marketed under the trade name ABSCENTS® andSmellrite®, available from The Union Carbide Corporation and UOP arealso preferred. These materials are typically available as a whitepowder in the 3-5 micron particle size range. Such materials arepreferred over the intermediate zeolites for control ofsulfur-containing odors, e.g., thiols, mercaptans. Zeolites areexplained more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,628, to Trinh et al., issuedJul. 4, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The carbon material suitable for use in the present invention is thematerial well known in commercial practice as an absorbent for organicmolecules and/or for air purification purposes. Often, such carbonmaterial is referred to as "activated" carbon or "activated" charcoal.Such carbon is available from commercial sources under such trade namesas; Calgon-Type CPG®; Type PCB®; Type SGL®; Type CAL®; and Type OL®.

Colorants and dyes can be optionally added to the odor absorbingcompositions for visual appeal and performance impression. Whencolorants are used, care must be taken in the selection of choosing dyesthat will not color skin. Preferred colorants for use in the presentcompositions are highly water-soluble dyes, e.g., acid blue 3, acid blue104, acid green 1, acid green 25, acid yellow 3, acid yellow 73 sodiumsalt, D&C green No. 5, 6 & 8, D&C yellow No. 7, 8, 10 & 11, D&C violetno. 2, FD&C blue No. 1 & 2, FD&C green No.3, FD&C yellow No. 5 & 6, andmixtures thereof.

Optionally, the present skin composition may also comprise knownantiperspirants and/or other known deodorant compositions not explicitlydisclosed previously. Examples of antiperspirants appropriate foraqueous solutions include aluminum-zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycinecomplex, aluminum-zirconium pentachlorohydrate, aluminumsesquichlorohydrate, or aluminum chlorhydrate and mixtures thereof.

PROCESS OF MAKING COMPOSITIONS

The present invention is prepared by a process comprising the steps ofmaking a mixture of aqueous carrier and all ingredients (exceptdimethicone) by mixing until all are dissolved and the mixture ishomogenous. The term "homogenous", as used herein, means a uniformlydispersed solution. If dimethicone is used, the process of preparing thecomposition further comprises mixing the mixture with the dimethiconeusing high shear (for example using a mill) until the composition ishomogenous.

Since the compositions of the present invention are to be applieddirectly to the skin, various applicators are useful for delivering thecompositions to the entire body for maximum odor control. For example,the compositions are preferably deposited on a paper product such as awipe which later is contacted with the skin to transfer the compositionto the skin.

Any wipe structures and/or methods of making the wipe structurescommonly known in the art may be used in the present invention. The wipecomprises a flexible dispensing means. The term "flexible dispensingmeans", as used herein, includes papers, cloths, non-wovens, films,foams, sponges, rollers, pads, tissues, cotton balls, and the like.Preferred wipe substrates comprise a porous material, such as thenon-woven substrates, foams, or sponges, which are capable of holdingthe composition within the pores of the substrates. Examples ofcellulosic non-wovens particularly useful and economic in the presentinvention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,609, Trokhan, issued Mar.4, 1980. Further description of useful wipes and methods of making saidwipes are found in World Patent 95/17175, to Mitra et. al, publicationdate of Jun. 29, 1995. Both references are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

Techniques for combining the wipe substrates with the composition of thepresent invention are well known in the art. Examples of common methodsof combining the composition to the wipe substrate may involve coating,immersing, dipping, or spraying, the wipe substrate with the compositionof the present invention. When dimethicone is included in the presentinvention, care must be taken to insure that the solution is mixed withhigh shear (such as milling) in order to obtain a homogenous solutionimmediately prior to application to the wipes. The composition of thepresent invention is added to the wipe substrate at level sufficient toprovide the desired odor control and/or other desired skin benefits ofthe present invention. A convenient method of combining the compositionof the present invention with the chosen substrate is to place thesubstrate inside an open package which will ultimately house thefinished product until use. The composition is poured onto the substrateand allowed to distribute throughout. Where the composition comprisesdimethicone, it is preferred that the homogenous composition is pouredonto each wipe individually rather than onto a stack of wipes. Thepackage is then closed and the wipes ready for use.

The composition of the present invention can also be delivered as aliquid via a spray dispenser or a bottle. Preferred is a manuallyactivated spray dispenser to avoid the use of aerosols which may beirritating to sensitive areas of the body. Spray dispensers useful inthe present invention are described more fully in U.S. Pat. No.5,534,165 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

METHODS OF USE

The present invention also encompasses a method of reducing body odor ona human comprising the application of the compositions described hereinto skin. The present invention also encompasses a method of reducingvaginal odor on a human comprising applying the compositions describedherein onto a pelvic region, external vagina, and/or panty-line.However, the compositions of the present invention should not beinserted into the vagina, nor applied onto the vulva.

An "effective amount" of the compositions of the present invention, asused herein, means an amount sufficient to absorb body odor to the pointthat it is not discernible by the human sense of smell. While thedetermination of an effective amount used and the number of uses per dayis ultimately left to the discretion of the user, typically an effectiveamount will be from about 0.05 to about 0.5 grams of odor absorbingcomposition per use, applied about 1 to about 15 times daily, for asmany days as desired by user.

The compositions of the present invention are topically applied directlyto the skin or hair. The compositions can be delivered by placing thecomposition into a dispensing means and applying an effective amount viaspraying or rubbing the composition onto the desired skin surface;typically the entire body. Preferably the dispensing means is a wipecomprising flexible dispensing means; or when the composition does notcomprise dimethicone, a spray dispenser. Distribution of thecompositions of the present invention can be achieved by using apreformed wipe, a hand, or a spray bottle.

Alternatively, when the composition does not include dimethicone, theuser may combine the composition of the present invention to a wipecomprising a flexible dispensing means of his or her own choosing. To dothis, the user simply chooses a flexible dispensing means such as awashcloth; pours a solution of the composition of the present inventionfrom a bottle or other suitable container over the chosen flexibledispensing means, and applies the composition to the desired area of thebody. In this manner, the user may use as much or as little of thecomposition of the present invention as he/she desires, depending upontheir intended use and degree of odor control necessary.

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the formulations andmethods of use of the present invention.

    ______________________________________                   Example I Example II                                       Example III    Ingredients    Wt. %     Wt. %     Wt. %    ______________________________________    Tetrasodium EDTA                   0.1       0.1       --    Zinc chloride  1         --        1    Suttocide ® A                   --        0.5       0.25    Glydant Plus ®                   0.2       --        --    Benzalkonium chloride                   0.14      --        --    Sodium Benzoate                   --        --        0.1    Hydroxypropyl beta-                   5         1         3    cyclodextrin    Dimethicone (100 centistoke)                   3         1         --    Distilled Water                   Balance   Balance   Balance    ______________________________________

Prepare Examples I and II as follows: Add tetra sodium EDTA toapproximately 66% of the distilled water for that formula and mix untildissolved. Then add each of the remaining ingredients, except for thedimethicone, in the order listed above, with mixing. Ensure that eachingredient is either dissolved or the solution is homogenous beforeadding the next ingredient. Add the remaining water of each of the totalformulas and stir until homogenous. Finally, add the dimethicone usinghigh shear until the dimethicone is uniformly dispersed in the water.

Prepare Example III as follows: Add each of the ingredients in the orderlisted above to about half of the water, with mixing. Ensure that eachingredient is either dissolved or the solution is homogenous beforeadding the next ingredient. Finally, add the remaining water of each ofthe total formula and stir until homogenous.

Preparation for Application to Skin

The solutions of the present invention, such as those formed from theexamples may be loaded onto a wipe or poured into a spray device orpoured directly onto the skin or flexible dispensing means of the user'schoosing for convenient application to the skin.

To prepare wipes

Place dry fabric or wipe substance inside an open package which willultimately contain the finished product. Where the composition comprisesdimethicone, the mixture should once again be mixed vigorously to obtaina uniformly dispersed mixture. Pour the composition onto the fabric todistribute throughout. Close the package for storage until consumer use.

To prepare spray:

Pour the composition into the selected spray package. Close the packagefor storage until consumer use.

EXAMPLE IV

A woman with stress urinary incontinence finds that the wetnessassociated with this condition causes vaginal odor which she wants toremove from the skin and control. After urinating, the woman wipes herexternal vagina with a wipe containing the composition in Example I. Thecyclodextrin and zinc salts in the composition complex with odors suchas polycyclic compounds and amines (respectively) which are found inurine. This woman notices less odor after using the wipes.

EXAMPLE V

A large-breasted woman finds that when she exercises, she tends toexperience sweating and skin chafing under the breasts. Before and afterexercising, she applies the composition from Example II via a wipe. Shewipes the composition under her breasts and the composition providesodor protection against odorous compounds that are exuded with sweatand/or sweat decomposition. This woman notices less odor and feels morecomfortable after using the wipe.

EXAMPLE VI

A man has severe allergies to cosmetic deodorants and antiperspirantsand avoids using such products. This results in uncontrolled andembarrassing body odor. His doctor suggests applying the mild odorabsorbing composition of Example III after showering. The man appliesthe composition to his entire body via a spray each morning aftershowering, and suffers no allergic reaction. The man feels comfortablewithout the embarrassment of lingering, uncontrollable body odor. Theman keeps a pouch of wipes at work, which also contain the compositionof Example III, for convenient and discrete reapplication as needed,particularly on hot and sweaty days.

What is claimed:
 1. An aqueous odor absorbing composition comprising:a.from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the composition, ofsolubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin; b. from about 0.5%to about 30%, by weight of the composition, of a linear dimethiconehaving a nominal viscosity of 350 centistokes or less; and C. an aqueouscarrier;and wherein said composition is safe for use on human skin. 2.The composition of claim 1 wherein the cyclodextrin is selected from thegroup consisting of beta-cyclodextrins, derivatives ofbeta-cyclodextrins, alpha-cyclodextrins, derivatives ofalpha-cyclodextrins, gamma-cyclodextrins, derivatives ofgamma-cyclodextrins, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The composition of claim 2wherein the cyclodextrin is beta cyclodextrin, hydroxypropylalpha-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin,methylated-alpha-cyclodextrin or methylated-beta-cyclodextrin, andmixtures thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1 further comprising oneor more adjunct odor controlling materials selected from the groupconsisting of zinc salts, zeolites, activated carbon, water-solublecarbonates, water-soluble bicarbonates, and mixtures thereof.
 5. Acomposition wherein the composition of claim 1 is deposited on a wipewhich comprises a flexible dispensing means.
 6. The composition of claim1 further comprising an effective amount of solubilized, water-soluble,antimicrobial preservative.
 7. The composition according to claim 6wherein the antimicrobial preservative is sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.8. A composition wherein the composition of claim 7 is delivered on awipe which comprises a flexible dispensing means.
 9. A method ofreducing body odor on a human comprising the application of thecomposition of claim 1 onto skin.
 10. A method of reducing vaginal odoron a human comprising the application of the composition of claim 1 ontoa pelvic region, an external vagina, and/or a panty line.
 11. A methodof reducing body odor on a human comprising the application of thecomposition of claim 6 onto skin.
 12. A method of reducing vaginal odoron a human comprising the application of the composition of claim 7 ontoa pelvic region, an external vagina, and/or a panty line.
 13. A methodof reducing body odor on a human comprising the application to skin of acomposition comprising:a. from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of thecomposition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin;and b. an aqueous carrier; and c. a flexible dispensing means;andwherein said composition is safe for use on human skin.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13 further comprising a safe and effective amount ofsolubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein the antimicrobial preservative is sodiumhydroxymethylglycinate.
 16. A method of reducing vaginal odor on a humancomprising the application onto a pelvic region, an external vagina,and/or a panty line of a composition comprising:a. from about 0.1% toabout 5%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble,uncomplexed cyclodextrin; and b. an aqueous carrier;and wherein saidcomposition is safe for use on human skin.
 17. The method according toclaim 16 further comprising a safe and effective amount of solubilized,water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the antimicrobial preservative is sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.19. A process for making an aqueous odor absorbing compositioncomprising the steps of:a. making a mixture of aqueous carrier andcyclodextrin, by adding the cyclodextrin to the aqueous carrier andmixing until the cyclodextrin is dissolved and the mixture ishomogenous; b. adding dimethicone to the mixture and mixing with highshear until the dimethicone is uniformly dispersed in the mixture.
 20. Aprocess according to claim 19 which comprises adding a water solubleantimicrobial preservative to the mixture in step a and mixing until thewater soluble antimicrobial preservative is dissolved and the mixture ishomogenous.